Holiday Decorating Ideas from the Experts

Originally Published on December 10, 2021. Last Updated on February 29, 2024.

’Tis the season for jolly decor and very-merry style. We caught up with leading design experts and influencers to see how they were trimming their outdoor spaces this festive season with plenty of tips and tricks to inspire your own holiday decorating.


Picture Perfect Front Porch

“I absolutely love decorating my front porch all year round, but the holidays are extra magical,” leading Atlanta-based designer Ashley Dixon says. “The porch is the first impression of your home. I hope mine says, ‘We love Christmastime here.’ My staples are layered rugs, seasonal wreaths, and planters. For interest, I love to have something big and bold out for the holidays: Meet the nutcrackers flanking both columns to the porch.”

nutcracker wreath christmas decor on front porch
Photo Credit: Ashley Dixon

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Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Chinoiserie End Table in Slate Grey, Green, and White
Featured: Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Chinoiserie End Table in Slate Grey, Green, and White

The Coziest Covered Porch

“When decorating for the holidays, I don’t stop with the inside,” Texas-based designer Taryn Whiteaker says. “Our previous home in Seattle had this covered porch off our kitchen. It was the perfect place to make extra cozy for the holidays. Even though it was chilly and often raining or snowing in Seattle, I made this space feel extra warm with lots of festive pillows and blankets and tons of trees! It felt like a mini mountain retreat in our backyard.”

Photo Credit: Taryn Whiteaker

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Featured: Club Mission Sofa and Club Mission Loveseat in Black/Natural Linen, Club Coffee Table and Club 18″ Side Table in Black, and 20″ Outdoor Throw Pillow in Grey Mist, Dune Burlap, and Midnight Linen


Artfully Decorated Architecture

“When deciding how to decorate your home’s outdoor spaces, I always recommend highlighting the architectural features first,” nationally recognized interior designer Meg Caswell says.

Photo Credit: Meg Caswell

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Featured: Chippendale 48″ Bench and Newport 22″ x 36″ Coffee Table in Mahogany, Two Shelf Bar Side Table in Green, and 20″ Outdoor Throw Pillow in Primary Colors Pistachio


Fine and Festive Dining

“I wanted to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere for our outdoor dining area. I started with a simple pine garland and added some eucalyptus and red berries. I love the glow and ambiance of candlelight for any table setting, so I added tapers in different heights, which added a cheerful touch,” says Karen Ray, a savvy DIY and home decor influencer.

Photo Credit: Karen Ray

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Featured: Chippendale 7-Piece Dining Set with Trestle Legs in White and Seat Cushion – 16.5″D x 17.5″W x 2.5″H in Spiced Burlap

A Front Door to Adore

“I love the timeless and classic look of greenery, so I used both fresh and artificial evergreen to create an elegant holiday entrance,” says Sara Davis, popular Indiana-based interior design blogger and influencer. “I love potted arborvitae because they’re easy to maintain and will stay green all year long. The urns are filled with fresh evergreens and a few pinecones, while the faux wreath and garlands have white lights wrapped around them to create a magical night glow. I added a few red berries throughout to add a little color, and the lanterns hold flameless candles that help complete the welcoming look.” 

Photo Credit: Sara Davis

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Featured: Long Island 26″ Counter Side Table in Black and Long Island 18″ Side Table in Green

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